Vaporization device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for practitioner tracking of patient substance intake and controlling of substance dosing for patients is provided. A controlled dosing platform displays patient profiles under the practitioner&#39;s care and upon selecting a particular patient one or more streams of usage statistics from use of a vaporization device is displayed. The usage statistics may include a regression value, a control period and a quit date. The regression value may be a linear or an exponential regression value. The practitioner can manipulate any or all of the usage statistics to modify a smoking cessation plan.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/251,968, filed Nov. 18, 2018which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a vaporization device and asystem for implementing a smoking cessation plan utilizing thevaporization device.

BACKGROUND

Vaporizer devices have been frequently used as a cigarette replacementor as a means to wean users of cigarettes. For example, vaporizerdevices may be a battery-operated device that is specially configured tomimic or simulate the feeling of smoking a cigarette. However, ratherthan burning actual tobacco, the vaporizer device is configured to burna liquid solution, thereby creating a vapor inhalable by the user. Suchliquid solutions may include a nicotine-containing substances similar tothat of cigarettes.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a system and method forfacilitating a smoking cessation plan. In some embodiments, avaporization device is disclosed herein. The vaporization deviceincludes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion isselectively coupled with the first portion. The first portion includes afirst body, a first half of a split-pod, a second half of a split-pod,an opening, a first heating apparatus, and a second heating apparatus.The first body defines a first interior volume. The first half of thesplit-pod and the second half of the split-pod are formed in the firstinterior volume. The first half of the split-pod is configured to hold anicotine-containing liquid. The second half of the split-pod configuredto hold a non-nicotine-containing liquid. The opening is formed in thefirst body. The opening separates the first half of the split-pod fromthe second half of the split-pod. The first heating apparatus isdedicated to the first half of the split-pod. The second heatingapparatus is dedicated to the second half of the split-pod. The secondportion includes a second body and a computing system. The second bodydefines a second interior volume. The computing system is disposedwithin the second interior volume. The computing system is configured tovary an amount of current supplied to the first heating apparatus andthe second heating apparatus.

In some embodiments, a smoking cessation system is disclosed herein. Thesmoking cessation system includes a vaporization device and a serversystem. The vaporization device includes a first half of a split-pod anda second half of a split-pod. The first half of the split-pod isconfigured to hold a nicotine-containing liquid. The second half of thesplit-pod is configured to hold a non-nicotine-containing liquid. Thevaporization device is configured to deliver a vapor mixture. The vapormixture includes a first vapor formed from the non-nicotine-containingliquid and a second vapor formed from the nicotine-containing liquid.The server system is in communication with the vaporization device. Theserver system is configured to generate a smoking cessation plan for thevaporization device based on at least usage statistics associated withthe vaporization device.

In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method of facilitating asmoking cessation plan is disclosed herein. A server system generates aninitial smoking cessation plan based on one or more inputs provided by aclient device in communication with a vaporization device. The initialsmoking cessation plan includes one or more phases. Each phase isassociated with a predefined ratio of a vapor mixture for thevaporization device to deliver to a user. The server system transmitsthe initial smoking cessation plan to the client device. The serversystem receives one or more streams of usage statistics associated withthe user's use of vaporization device. The server system analyzes theone or more streams of usage statistics to determine whether the user'suse of vaporization device is in accordance with the initial smokingcessation plan. The server system determines that the user's use of thevaporization device deviates from the initial smoking cessation plan.The server system modifies the initial smoking cessation plan based onthe usage statistics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrated onlytypical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vaporization device, according toexample embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of first portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of first portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of first portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of second portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of second portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vaporization device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of vaporization device, according toexample embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating a method of generating a smokingcessation plan, according to example embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating one or more operationsassociated with use of vaporization device, according to exampleembodiments.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a graphical user interface,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a graphical user interface,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating a computing device, accordingto example embodiments.

FIG. 10B is a block diagram illustrating a computing device, accordingto example embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vaporization device, according toexample embodiments.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a vaporization device, according toexample embodiments.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a vaporization device from an oppositeview of that shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cross-sectional view of first portionof vaporizer device, according to example embodiments.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of first portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 14B is an exploded view of first portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 15A is an end view of first portion of vaporizer device, accordingto example embodiments.

FIG. 15B is a perspective end view of first portion of vaporizer device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows a screenshot of a portal used with a controlled dosingplatform of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A& 17B shows a screenshot of a user profile associated with thecontrolled dosing platform of the present invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments withoutspecific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to avaporization device and a system for implementing a smoking cessationplan utilizing the vaporization device. The vaporization device mayinclude a first portion that is selectively coupled to a second portion.The first portion may include a body. The body may include a split-podconfiguration. For example, the body may include a split-pod with thefirst half of the split-pod configured to hold a nicotine-containingsubstance and a second half of the split-pod configured to hold anon-nicotine-containing substance. Each half of the split-pod mayinclude a respective heating apparatus, configured to create a vapormixture from the nicotine-containing substance and thenon-nicotine-containing substance. The second portion may include acomputing system disposed therein. The computing system may beconfigured to vary the amount of current provided to each respectiveheating apparatus, such that a predefined ratio of nicotine-containingsubstance to non-nicotine-containing substances is delivered to theuser. Such ratio may be generated as part of an overall smokingcessation plan stored on the vaporization device.

The vaporization device may be configured to communicate with a user'sclient device (e.g., mobile phone). For example, vaporization device mayprovide client device with the user's usage statistics. Such usagestatistics may include a number of uses of vaporization device, as wellas the duration of each use. Client device may provide the usagestatistics to a server system. The server system may adjust the smokingcessation plan based on the usage statistics provided by the clientdevice. For example, if a user is too heavily relying on thevaporization device (e.g., higher usage rate than expected), the serversystem may adjust the smoking cessation plan accordingly, FIG. 1 is ablock diagram illustrating a computing environment 100, according toexample embodiments. Computing environment 100 may include vaporizationdevice 102, organization computing system 104, and client device 106communicating via network 105.

Network 105 may be of any suitable type, including individualconnections via the Internet, such as cellular or Wi-Fi networks. Insome embodiments, network 105 may connect terminals, services, andmobile devices using direct connections, such as radio frequencyidentification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth™,low-energy Bluetooth™ (BLE), Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, ambient backscattercommunication (ABC) protocols, USB, WAN, or LAN. Because the informationtransmitted may be personal or confidential, security concerns maydictate one or more of these types of connection be encrypted orotherwise secured. In some embodiments, however, the information beingtransmitted may be less personal, and therefore, the network connectionsmay be selected for convenience over security.

Network 105 may include any type of computer networking arrangement usedto exchange data. For example, network 105 may include any type ofcomputer networking arrangement used to exchange information. Forexample, network 105 may be the Internet, a private data network,virtual private network using a public network and/or other suitableconnection(s) that enables components in computing environment 100 tosend and receive information between the components of environment 100.

Client device 106 may be operated by a user. For example, client device106 may be a mobile device, a tablet, a desktop computer, or anycomputing system having the capabilities described herein. Client device106 may belong to or be provided to a user or may be borrowed, rented,or shared. Users may include, but are not limited to, individuals suchas, for example, subscribers, clients, prospective clients, or customersof an entity associated with organization computing system 104, such asindividuals who have obtained, will obtain, or may obtain a product,service, or consultation from an entity associated with organizationcomputing system 104.

Client device 106 may include at least application 112. Application 112may be representative of a web browser that allows access to a websiteor a stand-alone application. Client device 106 may access application112 to access functionality of organization computing system 104. Clientdevice 106 may communicate over network 105 to request a webpage, forexample, from web client application server 114 of organizationcomputing system 104. For example, client device 106 may be configuredto execute application 112 to access content managed by web clientapplication server 114. The content that is displayed to client device106 may be transmitted from web client application server 114 to clientdevice 106, and subsequently processed by application 112 for displaythrough a graphical user interface (GUI) of client device 106.

Client device 106 may communicate with vaporization device 102. Forexample, client device 106 may communicate with vaporization device 102via network 105. Vaporization device 102 may be a split-pod vaporizationdevice configured to deliver a vapor mixture formed from anicotine-containing substance and a non-nicotine-containing substance.Vaporization device 102 is discussed in further detail below inconjunction with FIGS. 2-6.

Vaporization device 102 may include computing system 110. Computingsystem 110 may be configured to communicate with client device 106. Insome embodiments, computing system 110 may be further configured tocommunicate with organization computing system 104. Computing system 110may be configured to track user of vaporization device 102 may an enduser. For example, computing system 110 may track a number of uses ofvaporization device 102 and a duration of each user. In someembodiments, vaporization device 102 may transmit the usage informationto client device 106. Client device 106 may, in turn, transmit the usageinformation to organization computing system 104. In some embodiments,vaporization device 102 may transmit usage information directly toorganization computing system 104.

Organization computing system 104 may include at least web clientapplication server 114, a machine learning module 116, a cessationmodule 118, and handler 120. Each of machine learning module 116,cessation module 118, and handler 120 may be comprised of one or moresoftware modules. The one or more software modules may be collections ofcode or instructions stored on a media (e.g., memory of organizationcomputing system 104) that represent a series of machine instructions(e.g., program code) that implements one or more algorithmic steps. Suchmachine instructions may be the actual computer code the processor oforganization computing system 104 interprets to implement theinstructions or, alternatively, may be a higher level of coding of theinstructions that is interpreted to obtain the actual computer code. Theone or more software modules may also include one or more hardwarecomponents. One or more aspects of an example algorithm may be performedby the hardware components (e.g., circuitry) itself, rather as a resultof the instructions.

Cessation module 118 may be configured to communicate with client device106. In some embodiments, cessation module 118 may be configured tocommunicate with vaporization device 102. Cessation module 118 mayreceive usage information from vaporization device 102. Cessation module118 may work in conjunction with machine learning module 120 to generatea smoking cessation plan for each user based, in part, on user input andusage information. For example, cessation module 118 may work inconjunction with machine learning module 120 to generate a cessationplan that includes a ratio of nicotine-containing substance tonon-nicotine-containing substance to deliver to a user. Based offreceived usage information, cessation module 118 may work in conjunctionwith machine learning module 120 to update the cessation plan for eachuser.

Machine learning module 116 may include one or more instructions totrain a prediction model used by cessation module 118. To train theprediction model, machine learning module 120 may receive, as input,usage activity of each user. In some embodiments, machine learningmodule 120 may further receive, as input, one or more parametersspecified by each user via application 112. Machine learning module 116may implement one or more machine learning algorithms to train theprediction model. For example, machine learning module 116 may use oneor more of a decision tree learning model, association rule learningmodel, artificial neural network model, deep learning model, inductivelogic programming model, support vector machine model, clustering mode,Bayesian network model, reinforcement learning model, representationallearning model, similarity and metric learning model, rule based machinelearning model, and the like.

Account handler 120 may be configured to manage an account associatedwith each user. For example, account handler 120 may be configured tocommunicate with database 108. As illustrated, database 108 may includeone or more user profiles 124. Each user profile 124 may correspond to auser with an account with organization computing system 104. Each userprofile 124 may include at least one or more of personal identificationinformation 126, a cessation plan 128, and statistics 130. Personalidentification information 126 may include information associated withthe user. In some embodiments, personal identification information 126may include a name, home address, billing address, mailing address,telephone number, e-mail address, social security number, and the like.Cessation plan 128 may correspond to a cessation plan generated for eachuser by cessation module 118 and machine learning module 116. Cessationplan 128 may include one or more phases, wherein each phase of cessationplan 128 may include a specific ratio of nicotine-containing substanceto non-nicotine-containing substance in a vapor mixture as well as aduration for each phase. Statistics 130 may include one or morestatistics associated with a user's usage. Such statistics may includeusage information tracked by computing system 110.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vaporization device 200, according toexample embodiments. Vaporization device 200 may be an example ofvaporization device 102 discussed above, in conjunction with FIG. 1. Asillustrated, vaporization device 200 may include a first portion 202 anda second portion 204. First portion 202 may be selectively coupled withsecond portion 204.

First portion 202 may generally include a first end 206 and a second end208, opposite first end 206. First end 206 may include an opening 218formed therein. In some embodiments, first portion 202 may taper fromsecond end 208 to first end 206. As discussed in further detail below,first portion 202 may be configured to store one or more fluids used fordelivery of a vapor mixture to users of vaporization device 200. Forexample, first portion 202 may be configured to store at least twoliquids: a non-nicotine containing liquid and a nicotine containingliquid. In operation, a vapor mixture formed from at least a portion ofthe non-nicotine containing liquid and the nicotine containing liquidmay be delivered to user of vaporization device 200.

First portion 202 may be formed from a thermoplastic material (e.g.,high-temperature thermoplastic material). Generally, first portion 202may be formed from a food-safe, chemical (e.g., oil) resistant material.Exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to, nylon-basedplastic (or equivalent), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether etherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), and the like.

Second portion 204 may generally include a first end 210 and a secondend 212, opposite first end. Although not shown in this particularfigure, second end 212 may include a charging slot formed therein.Exemplary charging slots may include, but are not limited to, universalserial bus (USB) port, lightening port, and the like. As discussed infurther detail below, second portion 204 may be configured to house oneor more electronic components of vaporizer device 202.

Second portion 204 may be formed from extruded aluminum alloy, amaterial having an anodized or powder coating, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when in selective communication, first portion202 may create an interface 214 with second portion 204. Interface 214may not be uniform about vaporizer device 210. For example, formedbetween first portion 202 and second portion 204 may be one or more airpassages 216. Each air passage 216 may allow air to flow from outsidevaporizer device 200 to an interior volume defined therein. For example,when a user inhales via opening 218, air may be pulled within vaporizerdevice 200 via one or more air passages 216.

Generally, first portion 202 may be configured as a disposable componentof vaporizer device 102. For example, first portion 202 may be disposedby end user when first portion 202 no longer contains at least one of anicotine-containing substance or a non-nicotine-containing substance.However, rather than having the user physically refill first portion202, the user may purchase a new first portion 202 for use withvaporizer device 102.

In some embodiments, first portion 202 may be self-destructing. In otherwords, first portion 202 may be configured such that a user cannottamper with first portion 202 (e.g., re-fill or re-use first portion202, take liquid out of first portion 202, etc.).

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of first portion 202 of vaporizerdevice 200, according to example embodiments. First portion 202 mayinclude a body 302. Body 302 may include a first region 301 and secondregion 303. First region 301 may include a split-pod formed therein. Forexample, first region 301 may include a first half of a split-pod 304 aand a second half of a split-pod 304 b. First half the pod 304 a may beseparated from second half of the split-pod 304 b via opening 118, whichmay extend from first end 206 of first portion 202 to second region 303.Both first half of the split-pod 304 a and second half of the split-pod304 b may be configured to hold a liquid. For example, first half of thesplit-pod 304 a may be configured to hold a nicotine-containing liquid;second half of the split-pod 304 b may be configured to hold anon-nicotine-containing liquid.

Second portion 303 of body 302 may include one or more electric contacts308 and one or more heating coils 310. In some embodiments, each of oneor more heating coils 308 may be positioned adjacent a respective halfof the split-pod 304 a, 304 b. For example, second portion 303 of body302 may include a first heating coil 310 dedicated to first half of thesplit-pod 304 a and a second heating coil 310 dedicated to second halfof the split-pod 304 b. Each heating coil 310 may be configured to heatthe liquid contained in a respective half of the split-pod 304 a, 304 bto create a vapor mixture. Each heating coil 310 may be formed from ametal material that is used for resistive heating. Exemplary metalmaterials may include, but are not limited to, Nichrome, KANTHAL®,stainless steel, and the like.

Each electrical contact 308 may be configured to deliver power to eachheating coil 310. For example, each electric contact 308 may beconfigured to deliver a defined amount of power to each coil 308, suchthat a specific ratio of non-nicotine-containing liquid tonicotine-containing liquid is vaporized. In some embodiments, eachelectrical contact 308 may be positioned adjacent a respective half ofthe entire split-pod 304 a, 304 b. For example, second portion 303 ofbody 302 may include a first electrical contact 308 dedicated to a firstheating coil 310 for first half of the split-pod 304 a and a secondelectrical contact 308 dedicated to a second heating coil 310 for thesecond half of the split-pod 304 b.

As illustrated, each electrical contact 308 may be configured to supporta respective heating coil 310. For example, each electric contact 308may include an opening (not shown) formed therein. Electrical coil 310may at least partially extend within the opening, such that electricalcoil 310 may be supported by electrical contact 308.

Body 302 may further include one or more divider walls 306. Each ofdivider wall 306 may be positioned in such a way as to separate eachheating coil 310 from a respective half of the split-pod 304 a, 304 b.For example, as illustrated, a first divider wall 306 may be positionedbetween first half of the split-pod 304 a and first heating coil 310 anda second divider wall 306 may be positioned between second half of thesplit-pod 304 b and second heating coil 310. Each divider wall 306 mayinclude an opening (not shown) formed therein. Each opening may beformed as to allow passage of a wicking material between each half ofthe split-pod 304 a, 304 b and a respective heating coil 310. Wickingmaterial may be used to deliver fluid from a respective half of thesplit-pod 304 a, 304 b to a respective heating coil 310. Exemplarywicking materials may include, but are not limited to, silica, cotton,or other porous materials).

Body 302 may further include a mixing chamber 316, one or more vaporvents 312, and one or more air vents 314 formed therein. Mixing chamber316 may be defined within second region 303. Mixing chamber 316 may bein fluid communication with opening 218. For example, mixing chamber 316may be formed in second region 303, such that mixing chamber 316 mayseparate each respective set of electrical contacts 308 and heatingcoils 310. Each vapor vent 312 may be formed within an interior of firstportion 202. For example, each vapor vent 312 may be formed proximate arespective heating coil 310. In operation, vapor formed from fluid inone half of the split-pod 304 a may enter mixing chamber 316 via a firstvapor vent 312, and vapor formed from fluid in second half of thesplit-pod 304 b may enter mixing chamber 316 via a second vapor vent312. Within mixing chamber 316, vapor formed from anon-nicotine-containing fluid may mix with vapor formed from anicotine-containing fluid to form a vapor mixture. The vapor mixture maybe delivered to an end user via opening 218.

Each air vent 314 may be formed in body 302. For example, asillustrated, each air vent 314 may be formed such that each air vent 314may provide fluid communication between an interior of body 302 and anexterior of body 302. One or more air vents 314 may be configured todraw ambient air into vaporizer device 200. For example, one or more airvents 314 may be configured to draw ambient air into vaporizer device200 via one or more air passages 216, upon inhalation of an end user.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of first portion 202 of vaporizer device200, according to example embodiments. As discussed above, in someembodiments, first portion 202 may be self-destructing. In other words,first portion 202 may be configured such that a user cannot tamper withfirst portion 202 (e.g., re-fill or re-use first portion 202, takeliquid out of first portion 202, etc.).

As illustrated, first region 301 is shown detached from second region303. Between first region 301 and second region 303 are one or moredivider walls 306 and heating coils 310. To configure first portion 202such that first portion 202 is tamper-proof, a sealant 350 may be usedto couple first region 301 to second region 303. In some embodiments,sealant 350 may be applied to first region 301, such that after firstregion 301 and second region 303 are attached, sealant 350 preventsdisassembly of second region 303 from first region 301. Sealant 350 maybe any sealant able to prevent fluid leakage from first region 301.Exemplary sealants may include, but are not limited to silicon, epoxy, acombination of the two, or any other suitable material.

FIG. 3C is a front perspective view of first portion 202 of vaporizerdevice 200, according to example, embodiments. As discussed above, insome embodiments, first portion 202 may be self-destructing. In otherwords, first portion 202 may be configured such that a user cannottamper with first portion 202 (e.g., re-fill or re-use first portion202, take liquid out of first portion 202, etc.).

As illustrated, first region 301 is shown attached to second region 303.Second region 303 may include one or more internal snap hooks 370integrated therein. As illustrated each of the one or more internal snaphooks 370 may secure second region 303 to first region 301 byinterfacing with one or more internal walls 372 of first region 301. Assuch, use of one or more internal snap hooks 370 may result in asingle-use first portion 202 (i.e., single-use pod). In someembodiments, first portion 202 may implement a combination of one ormore snap hooks 370 and sealant 350 to prevent tampering with firstregion 301.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of second portion 204 (FIG. 5) ofvaporizer device 200, according to example embodiments. Second portion204 may include a body 402. Body 402 may include a first region 401 andsecond region 403. First region 401 may be configured to receive firstportion 202 (FIG. 5) of vaporizer device 200. For example, whenselectively coupled, second region 303 of first portion 202 (FIG. 5) ofvaporizer device 200 may be positioned at least partially within firstregion 401 of second portion 204 of vaporizer device 200.

Second region 403 may define interior volume 404. Disposed withininterior volume 404 may be at least computing system 110. Computingsystem 110 may include a printed circuit board 406 and a power source408. Printed circuit board 406 may include at least one or more of powercontrol circuitry, current sensing circuitry, voltage sensing circuitry,charging interface, battery charging circuity, network interface (e.g.,radio frequency identification (RFID) module, near-field communication(NFC) module, Bluetooth™ module, low-energy Bluetooth™ (BLE) module,Wi-Fi™ adapter, ZigBee™ module, etc.), microcontroller, and one or moresafety mechanisms.

Microcontroller may be configured to communicate with a remote computingserver. For example, microcontroller may be configured to communicateuser consumption information to a remote computing server and receive,from the remote computing server, dosage instructions. The dosageinstructions (described in further detail below) provide themicrocontroller with instructions directed to a target temperature ofeach heating coil 310 and a duration each heating coil 310 is heated.The dosage instructions may be a part of a larger cessation plangenerated by remote computing server.

Microcontroller may instruct the power control circuitry regarding theamount of power to be provided to one or more electrical contacts 308.Power control circuitry may be configured to control the amount of powerprovided by power source 408 to one or more electrical contacts 308. Forexample, temperature of heating coils 310 may be measured using theresistance change of the coil, and implementing a feedback loop with themicrocontroller to adjust the power output to meet the targettemperature (e.g., proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop).In some embodiments, power control circuitry may be a metal oxidesilicon field effect transistor (MOSFET). The amount of power providedby power source 408 to each electrical contact 308 affects the amount ofvapor produced by first portion 202 of vaporizer device 200. In someembodiments, power source 408 may be a re-chargeable battery (e.g., 3.7V battery).

In some embodiments, microcontroller may use a regression-basedalgorithm programmed locally on each device, which may be loaded tomicrocontroller via application 112 executing on client device 106associated with vaporization device 200. The regression-based algorithmmay include instructions on how and when to reduce a user's nicotineintake. In some embodiments, for each user, there may be a controlperiod in which organization computing system 104 learns and understandsa user's smoking behaviors. For example, organization computing system104 may learn the amount of time, milligrams of nicotine taken per day,and the number of times vaporization device 200 is used. This data maybe used to design each user's cessation plan.

The formula for each users cessation plan is calculated using: D_(n)=D0*e^((tn_t0_c)*k)

For each user, the variables that are stored may be:

Start date (t0)—this may represent the date when the user started thesmoking cessation program.

k—this may represent a constant that will be used to control how steepthe regression will be for the patient. k may be a negative value. Forexample, k may be in the range between about −0.05 and −0.5. The higherthe absolute value, the steeper the regression of the nicotine, and thequicker the patient will quit smoking. In some embodiments, the defaultvalue of k may be about −0.2.

Control period (c)—this may represent the length of the initial period,during which no regression takes place, but the patient's currentsmoking habits are being monitored. In some embodiments, the maximumnicotine dose may be applied during each hit.

After the control period, the following values may be calculated:

Average initial daily dose (D0)—this may represent the average dailynicotine dose during the control period, calculated from the hits madeduring that period.

Current daily dose (D_(n))—this may represent the daily nicotine dosefor the n^(th) day (t_(n)).

This may be calculated using: D_(n)=D0*e^((tn_t0_c)*k)

Average number of hits (h_(n))—this may represent the average number ofhits made per day during the program up until the n^(th) day (includingthe hits made during the control period).

Current hit dose (d_(n))—this may represent the nicotine dose for thecurrent hit, calculated

using the formula: d_(n)=D_(n)/h_(n).

In some embodiments, the program may end when d_(n) falls below athreshold value (e.g., 0.005 mg). Adjustment of the k value would adjustthe rate of regression.

FIG. 4A contains a printed circuit board 406 may further include one ormore contacts 410 coupled thereto. As illustrated, one or more contacts410 may take the form of a pin-shaped contact. In some embodiments, oneor more contacts 410 may be soldered to printed circuit board 406. Oneor more contacts 410 may be configured to contact each electricalcontact 308, when first portion 202 and second portion 204 are inselective communication. One or more contacts 410 may be configured totransfer current provided by battery 408 to one or more electricalcontacts to raise a temperature of one or more heating coils 308. Insome embodiments, each contact 410 may be spring actuated to ensuresolid contact with each electrical contact 308.

Further, although not shown, in some embodiments, second portion 204 mayinclude a fingerprint sensor located on an exterior surface of body 402.Fingerprint sensor may be in communication with computing system 110.For example, when a user wants to use vaporization device 102, the usermay unlock vaporization device 102 using fingerprint sensor locatedthereon. FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of vaporizationdevice 200, according to example embodiments. As illustrated, firstportion 202 is selectively coupled to second portion 204. In someembodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5, second portion 204 mayinclude one or more pressure sensors 450 a, 450 b (generally, “pressuresensor 450”) disposed therein. For example, second portion 204 mayinclude a first pressure sensor 450 a selectively positioned in the pathof airflow during inhalation and a second pressure sensor 450 b placedin the main housing. First pressure sensor 450 a may be positioned insecond portion 204, such that first pressure sensor 450 a is exposed toairflow during inhalation as a result of the pressure drop in interiorvolume 404.

Second pressure sensor 450 b may be configured to observe atmosphericpressure. Second pressure sensor 450 b may be used in conjunction withfirst pressure sensor 450 b to determine the differential pressurebetween atmosphere and that of the inhalation path. By doing so,accuracy is improved, most notable in situations when vaporizationdevice 200 is taken to locations with different atmospheric pressures.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vaporization device 200,according to example embodiments. As illustrated, first portion 202 isselectively coupled to second portion 204. Second region 303 of firstportion 202 may be positioned at least partially within first region 401of second portion 204. In some embodiments, mating between first portion202 and second portion 204, via second region 303 and first region 401,may be secured via natural friction, a lever tab, a snap hook, a magnet,and the like. When selectively coupled, one or more contacts 410 may bein physical contact with one or more electrical contacts 308.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of vaporization device 200, according toexample embodiments. As illustrated, first portion 202 is detached fromsecond portion 204. As may not have been visible in previous Figures,another view of first region 301 and second region 303 of first portion202 is shown. Further, as previously recited but now shown in detail,second portion 204 may include changing slot 602 formed in second end212 of second portion 204. Exemplary charging slots may include, but arenot limited to, universal serial bus (USB) port, lightening port, andthe like.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vaporization device 1100, accordingto example embodiments. Vaporization device 1100 may be an example ofvaporization device 102 discussed above, in conjunction with FIG. 1. Asillustrated, vaporization device 1100 may include a first portion 1102and a second portion 1104. First portion 1102 may be selectively coupledwith second portion 1104. First portion 1102 may include an opening 1118formed therein.

As discussed in further detail below, first portion 1102 may beconfigured to store one or more fluids used for delivery of a vapormixture to users of vaporization device 1100. For example, first portion1102 may be configured to store at least two liquids: a non-nicotinecontaining liquid and a nicotine containing liquid. In operation, avapor mixture formed from at least a portion of the non-nicotinecontaining liquid and the nicotine containing liquid may be delivered touser of vaporization device 1100.

As discussed in further detail below, second portion 1104 may beconfigured to house one or more electronic components of vaporizerdevice 1102. When in selective communication, first portion 1102 maycreate an interface with second portion 1104. Interface 1102 may not beuniform about vaporizer device 1110. For example, formed between firstportion 1102 and second portion 1104 may be one or more air passages1116. Each air passage 1118 may allow air to flow from outside vaporizerdevice 1100 to an interior volume defined therein. For example, when auser inhales via opening 1118, air may be pulled within vaporizer device1100 via one or more air passages 1116.

First portion 1102 may include a body 1104. Body 1104 may include asplit-pod formed therein. For example, body 1152 may include a firsthalf of a split-pod 1154 a and a second half of a split-pod 1154 b.First half the pod 1154 a may be separated from second half of thesplit-pod 1154 b via opening 1118, which may extend through firstportion 1102. Both first half of the split-pod 1154 a and second half ofthe split-pod 1154 b may be configured to hold a liquid. For example,first half of the split-pod 1154 a may be configured to hold anicotine-containing liquid; second half of the split-pod 1154 b may beconfigured to hold a non-nicotine-containing liquid.

Body 1152 may further include one or more electrical contacts 1158, aheating coil 1160, and a wick mechanism 1162. In some embodiments,heating coil 1160 may be positioned proximate each half of the split-pod1154 a, 1154 b. For example, heating coil 1160 may be positioned betweenfirst half of split-pod 1154 a and second half of split-pod 1154 b. Insome embodiments, heating coil 1160 may be positioned about wickmechanism 1162. For example, heating coil 1160 may be wrapped aroundwick mechanism 1162. Heating coil 1160 may be configured to heat theliquid contained in each respective half of the split-pod 304 a, 304 bto create a vapor mixture. Heating coil 1160 may be formed from a metalmaterial that is used for resistive heating. Exemplary metal materialsmay include, but are not limited to, Nichrome, KANTHAL®, stainlesssteel, and the like.

Each electrical contact 1158 may be configured to deliver power toheating coil 1160. For example, each electric contact 1158 may beconfigured to deliver a defined amount of power to each coil 308, suchthat a specific amount of liquid is vaporized.

Body 1152 may further include one or more air vents 1164. Each air vent1164 may be formed in body 1152. For example, as illustrated, each airvent 1164 may be formed such that each air vent 1164 may provide fluidcommunication between an interior of body 1152 and an exterior of body1152. One or more air vents 1164 may be configured to draw ambient airinto vaporizer device 1100.

Second portion 1104 may include a body 1172. Body 1172 may defineinterior volume 1174. Disposed within interior volume 1174 may be atleast computing system 1180. Computing system 1180 may be substantiallysimilar to computing system 110 discussed above in conjunction with FIG.4A.

As illustrated, vaporization device 1100 may include one or more pistonassemblies 1190 a, 1190 b (generally “piston assembly 1190”) thatextends from first portion 1102 to second portion 1104. Each pistonassembly 1190 may be configured to selectively deliver a dosage ofliquid to a user of vaporization device 1100. Each piston assembly mayinclude a rod 1192 a, 1192 b (generally “rod 1192”) which is configuredto move linearly and a plate 1194 a, 1194 b (generally “plate 1194”)coupled to each rod 1192 a, 1192 b, respectively. As illustrated, pistonassembly 1190 a may be positioned within first half of split-pod 1154 a.Piston assembly 1190 a may extend from first half of split-pod 1154 ainto interior volume 1174 of second portion 1104. Piston assembly 1190 bmay be positioned within second half of split-pod 1154 b. Pistonassembly 1190 b may extend from second half of split-pod 1154 b intointerior volume 1174 of second portion 1104.

In operation, computing system 1180 may control each piston assembly1190, such that each rod 1192 may move linearly to control the amount offluid provided to wick mechanism 1162. The distance each rod 1192 movesis translated to an amount of fluid provided to wick mechanism 1162. Forexample, the movement of rod 1192 a down within first half of split-pod1154 a may push fluid in first half of split-pod 1154 a down and out towick mechanism 1162.

Computing system 1180 may control each piston assembly 1190individually, such that a certain ratio of nicotine-containing fluid tonon-nicotine-containing fluid is delivered to the user.

In operation, air may be drawn from outside of vaporization device 1100via one or more air vents 1164, such that the air flows past heatingcoil 1160 and wick mechanism 1162, into opening 1118, and into theuser's mouth.

FIG. 7A is a logical diagram illustrating a method 700 of generating asmoking cessation plan, according to exemplary embodiments. For example,method 700 of generating a smoking cessation plan may involve use ofvaporization device 102 discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-6.Method 700 may begin at step 702.

At step 702, client device 702 may access organization computing system104 to initialize a smoking cessation plan. For example, client device702 may access functionality of organization computing system 104 viaapplication 112. In some embodiments, initializing a smoking cessationplan may include an end user to register a vaporization device 102 andenroll in a plan. Further, in some embodiments, initializing a smokingcessation plan includes client device 106 transmitting initializinginformation. Such initializing information may include, but is notlimited to, a user's age, gender, smoking habits (e.g., how many timesper day, how many packs per week, how long the user has smoked for,etc.), occupation, smoking cessation goals, and the like.

At step 704, organization computing system 104 may generate a smokingcessation plan for the user. In some embodiments, organization computingsystem 104 may generate a smoking cessation plan based on theinitializing information. Cessation module 118 may leverage a predictionmodel generated by machine learning module 116 to generate a smokingcessation plan for the user. For example, cessation module 118 mayprovide one or more items of initializing information to predictionmodel to generate the smoking cessation plan. As such, the user'ssmoking cessation plan may be individualized to the user's attributesand goals. The smoking cessation plan may include one or more phases,such that each phase may include a specific ratio of nicotine-containingsubstance to non-nicotine-containing substance in a vapor mixture. Overtime (e.g., as the user progress through the various phases), the ratioof substances within the vapor mixture may change, until a user isalmost entirely consuming a vapor formed from thenon-nicotine-containing substance.

At step 706, organization computing system 104 may transmit the smokingcessation plan to client device 106 of the user. In some embodiments,organization computing system 104 may provide client device 106 withaccess to the smoking cessation plan via one or more applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) that allow client device 106 to access thesmoking cessation plan.

At step 708, client device 106 may communicate the smoking cessationplan to vaporizer device 102. For example, client device 106 mayinterface with computing system 110 in vaporization device 102, suchthat vaporization device 102 may store at least a portion of the smokingcessation plan in memory. The portion of the smoking cessation plantransmitted from client device 106 to computing system 110 may includeinstructions as to how much power to deliver to each heating coil 310.Accordingly, computing system 110 may control the amount of currentprovided by a battery source to each electrical contact 308.

At step 712 vaporization device 102 may deliver a vapor mixture formedfrom a predefined ratio of a nicotine-containing substance and anon-nicotine containing substance to the end user. For example, when auser attempts to consume a vapor mixture, computing system 110 maydeliver a predefined amount of current to each electric contact 308 toheat each heating coil 310. Heating each heating coil 310 to apredetermined level aims in producing an amount of vapor from each halfof the split-pod 304 a, 304 b, such that the predefine ratio isachieved.

At step 712, vaporization device 102 may transmit user data to clientdevice 106. For example, vaporization device 102 may transmit usagestatistics that include a number of inhalations and a duration for eachinhalation to client device 106. In some embodiments, vaporizationdevice 102 may transmit usage statistics in real-time (or nearreal-time), whenever vaporization device 102 is connected to clientdevice 106 via one or more networks. In some embodiments, vaporizationdevice 102 may transmit usage statistics in one or more batches. Forexample, vaporization device 102 may transmit usage statisticsperiodically (e.g., daily).

At step 714, client device 106 may forward the user data to organizationcomputing system 104. For example, client device 106 may provide theuser data to organization computing system 104, such that organizationcomputing system 104 may analyze the user's usage of vaporization device102, and update the smoking cessation plan accordingly.

At step 716, organization computing system 104 may receive the user datafrom client device 106. Organization computing system 104 may analyzethe user date to determine whether the smoking cessation plan should beadjusted. For example, cessation module 118 may be configured to providethe user data, as input, to prediction model to determine whether theinitial smoking cessation plan should be adjusted. Such adjustments maybe made, for example, if the user is consuming more vapor mixture thanpreviously expected. The adjustments may results in an extension ofcertain phases to the smoking cessation plan, such that the user is moreslowly weaned off the nicotine-containing substance.

At step 718, organization computing system 104 may transmit the updatedsmoking cessation plan to client device 106 of the user. In someembodiments, organization computing system 104 may provide client device106 with access to the updated smoking cessation plan via one or moreAPIs that allow client device 106 to access the updated smokingcessation plan.

At step 720, client device 106 may communicate the updated smokingcessation plan to vaporizer device 102. For example, client device 106may interface with computing system 110 in vaporization device 102, suchthat vaporization device 102 may store at least a portion of the updatedsmoking cessation plan in memory. The portion of the smoking cessationplan transmitted from client device 106 to computing system 110 mayinclude updated instructions as to how much power to deliver to eachheating coil 310. Accordingly, computing system 110 may control theamount of current provided by a battery source to each electricalcontact 308.

In some embodiments, logical diagram 700 may further include one or moresteps 722-726. At step 722, client device 106 may access functionalityof organization computing system 104 to access user statistics. Forexample, client device 106 may access application 112 to view usagestatistics corresponding to vaporization device 102. Client device 106may request access to usage statistics by requesting access via a log-inprompt. For example, via client device 106, a user may log into his orher account.

At step 724, organization computing system 104 may receive the requestfrom client device 106 to view usage statistics corresponding tovaporization device 102 and the user's account. For example, uponreceiving a request from client device 106, organization computingsystem 104 may generate one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs)that visually display usage statistics to end user. Exemplary GUIs arediscussed below in conjunction with FIG. 8.

At step 726, organization computing system 104 may provide client device106 with access to the one or more GUIs. For example, in someembodiments, organization computing system 104 may transmit the one ormore GUIs to client device 106 for rendering and display. In someembodiments, organization computing system 104 may provide client device106 with access to the one or more GUIs via one or more APIs that allowclient device 106 to access the one or more GUIs to display the usagestatistics.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram 750 illustrating one or more operationsassociated with use of vaporization device 200, according to exampleembodiments. As shown, block diagram 750 includes a microcontroller 752,a network interface 754, a battery 756, a first power control 755, asecond power control 760, a first heating coil 762, a second heatingcoil 764, a first temperature sensor 766, and a second temperature senor768.

As illustrated, a user, via network interface 754, may update targetvalues like temperature and time for vaporization device usage. Suchtarget values may be input to microcontroller 752. Microcontroller 752may determine the amount of power to be delivered from battery 756 toeach heating coil 762, 764, based on the target values. First powercontroller 758 (e.g., first MOSFET) may control the amount of powerprovided to first heating coil 762, in accordance with instructionsreceived from microcontroller 752. Second power controller 760 (e.g.,second MOSFET) may control the amount of power provided to secondheating coil 764, in accordance with instructions received frommicrocontroller 752. First temperature sensor 766 may monitor thetemperature of first heating coil 762, and provide the temperaturereadings to microcontroller 752, thus creating a first feedback loopbetween microcontroller 752 and first heating coil 762. Secondtemperature sensor 768 may monitor the temperature of second heatingcoil 764, and provide the temperature readings to microcontroller 752,thus creating a second feedback loop between microcontroller 752 andsecond heating coil 764.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical userinterface (GUI) 800, according to example embodiments. GUI 800 may begenerated by organization computing system 104. Organization computingsystem 104 may provide GUI 800 to client device 106 via application 112.Client device 106 may render and display GUI 800.

GUI 800 may be representative of a smoking cessation initializationscreen. For example, via GUI 800, users can provide input directed tothe type of smoke the user is. GUI 800 may include one or more graphicalelements 802. Each graphical element 802 may be representative of acategory of smoker associated with the user. In some embodiments, a usermay select multiple graphical elements 802 to provide organizationcomputing system with a better overview of the user's smoking habits.Exemplary options may include, but are not limited to: long term smoker,heavy smoker, short term smoker, rarely, low smoker, menthol smoker,drunk smoker, social smoker, and the like.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical userinterface (GUI) 830, according to example embodiments. GUI 830 may begenerated by organization computing system 104. Organization computingsystem 104 may provide GUI 830 to client device 106 via application 112.Client device 106 may render and display GUI 830.

GUI 830 may be representative of a screen that provides the user withsmoking cessation plan statistics. For example, GUI 830 may include oneor more graphical elements 834, 836, 838, and 848. Graphical element 834may correspond to statistics associated with a hit count (i.e., thenumber of times a user used vaporization device 102). Graphical element836 may correspond to statistics associated with the user's nicotineintake (i.e., how much nicotine the user is inhaling from vaporizationdevice 102). As illustrated, the user has selected graphical element 834associated with hit count statistics.

Graphical element 838 may include one or more graphical elements 840-846associated with graphical element 834. Graphical element 842 may allowthe user to select a year for which to view statistics. Graphicalelement 840 may allow the user to select a month for which to viewstatistics. Graphical element 844 may include one or more statisticsdirected to how long the user has been on the smoking cessation plan. Asillustrated, this particular user has been on the plan for 23 days.Graphical element 846 may include one or more statistics directed to thegoal of the individual. For example, as illustrated, this particularuser will be (or should be) nicotine free in 29 days, based on thegenerated smoking cessation plan.

Graphical element 848 may provide weekly and/or daily data associatedwith graphical element 834. For example, graphical element 848 may berepresentative of a line graph that illustrates the user's weekly and/ordaily hit count data. As illustrated, on Oct. 30, 2018, the user took 5hits from vaporization device 102.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computingenvironment 900, according to some embodiments. Computing environment900 includes computing system 902 and computing system 952. Computingsystem 902 may be representative of client device 106. Computing system752 may be representative of organization computing system 104.

Computing system 902 may include a processor 904, a memory 906, astorage 908, and a network interface 910. In some embodiments, computingsystem 902 may be coupled to one or more I/O device(s) 912 (e.g.,keyboard, mouse, etc.) and vaporization device 102. In some embodiments,computing system 902 may communicate with vaporization device 102 vianetwork 905.

Processor 904 may retrieve and execute program code 920 (i.e.,programming instructions) stored in memory 906, as well as stores andretrieves application data. Processor 904 may be included to berepresentative of a single processor, multiple processors, a singleprocessor having multiple processing cores, and the like. Networkinterface 910 may be any type of network communications allowingcomputing system 902 to communicate externally via computing network905. For example, network interface 710 is configured to enable externalcommunication with computing system 952.

Storage 908 may be, for example, a disk storage device. Although shownas a single unit, storage 908 may be a combination of fixed and/orremovable storage devices, such as fixed disk drives, removable memorycards, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), storage areanetwork (SAN), and the like.

Memory 906 may include application 916, operating system 918, programcode 920, and messaging application 922. Program code 920 may beaccessed by processor 904 for processing (i.e., executing programinstructions). Program code 920 may include, for example, executableinstructions for communicating with computing system 952 to display oneor more pages of website 964. As another example, processor 904 mayaccess program code 920 to perform operations for implementing a smokingcessation plan. In another example, processor 904 may access programcode 920 to perform operations for selectively providing adjusting powerdelivered to each heating coil in vaporizer device 102. Application 916may enable a user of computing system 902 to access a functionality ofcomputing system 952. For example, application 916 may access contentmanaged by computing system 952, such as website 964. The content thatis displayed to a user of computing system 902 may be transmitted fromcomputing system 952 to computing system 902, and subsequently processedby application 916 for display through a graphical user interface (GUI)of computing system 902

Computing system 952 may include a processor 954, a memory 956, astorage 958, and a network interface 960. In some embodiments, computingsystem 952 may be coupled to one or more I/O device(s) 962. In someembodiments, computing system 952 may be in communication with database108.

Processor 954 may retrieve and execute program code 968 (i.e.,programming instructions) stored in memory 956, as well as stores andretrieves application data. Processor 954 is included to berepresentative of a single processor, multiple processors, a singleprocessor having multiple processing cores, and the like. Networkinterface 960 may be any type of network communications enablingcomputing system 952 to communicate externally via computing network905. For example, network interface 960 allows computing system 952 tocommunicate with computer system 902.

Storage 958 may be, for example, a disk storage device. Although shownas a single unit, storage 958 may be a combination of fixed and/orremovable storage devices, such as fixed disk drives, removable memorycards, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), storage areanetwork (SAN), and the like.

Memory 956 may include website 964, operating system 966, program code968, machine learning module 970, cessation module 972, and handler 974.Program code 968 may be accessed by processor 954 for processing (i.e.,executing program instructions). Program code 968 may include, forexample, executable instructions configured to perform steps discussedabove in conjunction with FIG. 7. As an example, processor 954 mayaccess program code 968 to perform operations for generating a smokingcessation plan. In another example, processor 954 may access programcode 968 to perform operations adjusting a smoking cessation plan basedon usage information associated with each user. Website 964 may beaccessed by computing system 902. For example, website 964 may includecontent accessed by computing system 902 via a web browser orapplication.

Cessation module 972 may be configured to communicate with client device106. In some embodiments, cessation module 972 may be configured tocommunicate with vaporization device 102. Cessation module 972 mayreceive usage information from vaporization device 102. Cessation module972 may work in conjunction with machine learning module 970 to generatea smoking cessation plan for each user based, in part, on user input andusage information. For example, cessation module 972 may work inconjunction with machine learning module 970 to generate a cessationplan that includes a ratio of nicotine-containing substance tonon-nicotine-containing substance to deliver to a user. Based offreceived usage information, cessation module 972 may work in conjunctionwith machine learning module 970 to update the cessation plan for eachuser.

Machine learning module 970 may include one or more instructions totrain a prediction model used by cessation module 972. To train theprediction model, machine learning module 970 may receive, as input,usage activity of each user. In some embodiments, machine learningmodule 970 may further receive, as input, one or more parametersspecified by each user via application 916 executing on computing system902. Machine learning module 970 may implement one or more machinelearning algorithms to train the prediction model. For example, machinelearning module 970 may use one or more of a decision tree learningmodel, association rule learning model, artificial neural network model,deep learning model, inductive logic programming model, support vectormachine model, clustering mode, Bayesian network model, reinforcementlearning model, representational learning model, similarity and metriclearning model, rule based machine learning model, and the like.

Account handler 974 may be configured to manage an account associatedwith each user. For example, account handler 974 may be configured tocommunicate with database 108. For example, account handler 974 may beconfigured to update each user profile stored in database 108.

FIG. 10A illustrates a system bus computing system architecture 1000,according to example embodiments. System 1000 may be representative ofat least a portion of computing system 110 in vaporization device 102.One or more components of system 1000 may be in electrical communicationwith each other using a bus 1005. System 1000 may include a processingunit (CPU or processor) 1010 and a system bus 1005 that couples varioussystem components including the system memory 1015, such as read onlymemory (ROM) 1020 and random access memory (RAM) 1025, to processor1010. System 1000 can include a cache of high-speed memory connecteddirectly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of processor1010. System 1000 can copy data from memory 1015 and/or storage device1030 to cache 1012 for quick access by processor 1010. In this way,cache 1012 may provide a performance boost that avoids processor 1010delays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or beconfigured to control processor 1010 to perform various actions. Othersystem memory 1015 may be available for use as well. Memory 1015 mayinclude multiple different types of memory with different performancecharacteristics. Processor 1010 can include any general purposeprocessor and a hardware module or software module, such as service 11032, service 2 1034, and service 3 1036 stored in storage device 1030,configured to control processor 1010 as well as a special-purposeprocessor where software instructions are incorporated into the actualprocessor design. Processor 1010 may essentially be a completelyself-contained computing system, containing multiple cores orprocessors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processormay be symmetric or asymmetric.

To enable user interaction with the computing device 1000, an inputdevice 1045 can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as amicrophone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphicalinput, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An outputdevice 1035 can also be one or more of a number of output mechanismsknown to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multimodalsystems can enable a user to provide multiple types of input tocommunicate with computing device 1000. Communications interface 1040can generally govern and manage the user input and system output. Thereis no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangementand therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted forimproved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

Storage device 1030 may be a non-volatile memory and can be a hard diskor other types of computer readable media which can store data that areaccessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges,random access memories (RAMs) 1025, read only memory (ROM) 1020, andhybrids thereof

Storage device 1030 can include services 1032, 1034, and 1036 forcontrolling the processor 1010. Other hardware or software modules arecontemplated. Storage device 1030 can be connected to system bus 1005.In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function caninclude the software component stored in a computer-readable medium inconnection with the necessary hardware components, such as processor1010, bus 1005, display 1035, and so forth, to carry out the function.

FIG. 10B illustrates a computer system 1050 having a chipsetarchitecture that may represent at least a portion of computing system110 of vaporization device 102. Computer system 1050 may be an exampleof computer hardware, software, and firmware that can be used toimplement the disclosed technology. System 1050 can include a processor1055, representative of any number of physically and/or logicallydistinct resources capable of executing software, firmware, and hardwareconfigured to perform identified computations. Processor 1055 cancommunicate with a chipset 1060 that can control input to and outputfrom processor 1055. In this example, chipset 1060 outputs informationto output 1065, such as a display, and can read and write information tostorage device 1070, which can include magnetic media, and solid statemedia, for example. Chipset 1060 can also read data from and write datato RAM 1075. A bridge 1080 for interfacing with a variety of userinterface components 1085 can be provided for interfacing with chipset1060. Such user interface components 1085 can include a keyboard, amicrophone, touch detection and processing circuitry, a pointing device,such as a mouse, and so on. In general, inputs to system 1050 can comefrom any of a variety of sources, machine generated and/or humangenerated.

Chipset 1060 can also interface with one or more communicationinterfaces 1090 that can have different physical interfaces. Suchcommunication interfaces can include interfaces for wired and wirelesslocal area networks, for broadband wireless networks, as well aspersonal area networks. Some applications of the methods for generating,displaying, and using the GUI disclosed herein can include receivingordered datasets over the physical interface or be generated by themachine itself by processor 1055 analyzing data stored in storage 1070or 1075. Further, the machine can receive inputs from a user throughuser interface components 1085 and execute appropriate functions, suchas browsing functions by interpreting these inputs using processor 1055.

It can be appreciated that example systems 1000 and 1050 can have morethan one processor 1010 or be part of a group or cluster of computingdevices networked together to provide greater processing capability.

FIGS. 12A-15B show an alternate embodiment of a first portion 2020.These figures will be discussed with similar reference numbers to otherparts of the application. FIG. 13 shows a close-up perspective view of afirst portion 2020 of vaporizer device 200, according to exampleembodiments. First portion 2020 may include a body 3020. The body 3020may include a first region 3010 and second region 3030. See also FIGS.14A and 14B. First region 3010 may include a split-pod formed therein.For example, first region 3010 may include a first half of a split-pod3040 a and a second half of a split-pod 3040 b. First half the pod 3040a may be separated from second half of the split-pod 3040 b via opening1180, which may extend from first end 2060 of first portion 2020 tosecond region 3030. Both first half of the split-pod 3040 a and secondhalf of the split-pod 3040 b may be configured to hold a liquid. Forexample, first half of the split-pod 3040 a may be configured to hold anicotine-containing liquid; second half of the split-pod 3040 b may beconfigured to hold a non-nicotine-containing liquid.

Second region 3030 of body 3020 may include one or more electriccontacts 3080, one or more heating coils 3100 and one or moretemperature sensor such as a thermistor 3022. In some embodiments, eachof one or more thermistor 3022 is disposed between each of one or moreheating coils 3100 that may be positioned adjacent a respective half ofthe split-pod 3040 a, 3040 b. For example, second region 3030 of body3020 may include a first heating coil 3100 and a first thermistor 3022dedicated to first half of the split-pod 3040 a and a second heatingcoil 3100 and a second thermistor 3022 dedicated to second half of thesplit-pod 3040 b. Each heating coil 3100 may be configured to heat theliquid contained in a respective half of the split-pod 3040 a, 3040 b tocreate a vapor mixture. Each heating coil 3100 may be formed from ametal material that is used for resistive heating. Exemplary metalmaterials may include, but are not limited to, Nichrome, KANTHAL®,stainless steel, and the like.

Each thermistor 3022 may be disposed adjacent the heating coil 3100 tomeasure the temperature of the coil 3100. In one embodiment thethermistor 3022 is electrically contacted with the metal contact pinsand fed into microcontroller in a constant temperature feedback loop. Inanother embodiment the thermistor 3022 is wired through the contact3080, through which information such as temperature information is fedinto the microcontroller. Specifically, temperature information is fedfrom the contacts 3080 to the pins 410 in second portion 204. See FIGS.12A and 12B. When the heating coil causes a rise in temperature, themicrocontroller will process the temperature information as a voltagereading. The microcontroller will determine the temperature by measuringthe resistance of thermistors 3022. When the temperature rises atranslation is made to the temperature values via code to get anaccurate temperature. By positioning the thermistor 3022 right next tothe coil 3100, accurate temperature measurements can be obtained.

In one embodiment, the thermistor may be a Negative TemperatureCoefficient (NTC) thermistor that that can limit the current that canflow once a resistance level is met. The NTC thermistor allows for areduction in resistance as temperature increases. In one embodiment theNTC is a glass encapsulated NTC thermistor. In one embodiment, thetemperature sensor or thermistor 3022 may be used in a range from −55°C. to 200° C. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor 3022 may beused at temperatures approaching absolute zero (−273.15° C.) as well asthose specifically designed for use above 150° C. The temperature sensorthermistor 3200 allows for the accurate detection of coil temperaturesin the device 200. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor orthermistor 3200 may be made of 315L stainless steel, ceramics, polymersor other materials depending on desired temperature response.

In another embodiment, a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC)thermistor may be used. The PCT thermistor allows for an increase inresistance as temperature increases. In one embodiment, othertemperature sensors may be used instead of the thermistors.

In one embodiment, the thermistor is placed electrically contacted withthe metal contact pins and fed into microcontroller creating a constanttemperature feedback loop. This loop enables precise temperaturereadings that enables safer and sharper and focused dosing. Thus, theloop now created by the combination of the thermistor, metal contactpins microcontroller allows for accurate dosing in relation to thetemperature schedule.

In one instance, the thermistor 3022 can detect when the split pods 3040a and 3040 b are dry, lack liquids. This may be called a “dry hit.” Adry hit occurs if there is not enough liquid in chamber 3160 and metalcoils 3100 are allowed to exponentially increase in temperature. Inthese situations, the coil 3100 heats up faster and if there is noliquid the thermistor can shut the pods 3040 a, 3040 b off before anyharmful chemicals are released. “Dry hits” can be dangerous to patientsas metals that are heated up to a point can release chemicals such asformaldehyde. By using thermistors 3022, it is possible to achieve anaccurate dosing versus temperature schedule and apply accurate dosingusing the present invention.

Each electrical contact 3080 may be configured to deliver power to eachheating coil 310. For example, each electric contact 3080 may beconfigured to deliver a defined amount of power to each coil 3080, suchthat a specific ratio of non-nicotine-containing liquid tonicotine-containing liquid is vaporized. In some embodiments, eachelectrical contact 3080 may be positioned adjacent a respective half ofthe entire split-pod 3040 a, 3040 b. For example, second region 3030 ofbody 3020 may include a first electrical contact 3080 dedicated to afirst heating coil 3100 for first half of the split-pod 3040 a and asecond electrical contact 3080 dedicated to a second heating coil 3100for the second half of the split-pod 3040 b.

As illustrated, each electrical contact 3080 may be configured tosupport a respective heating coil 3100. For example, each electriccontact 3080 may include an opening (not shown) formed therein.Electrical coil 3100 may at least partially extend within the opening,such that electrical coil 3100 may be supported by electrical contact3080. In another embodiment, the thermistor 3022 is wired through thecontact and a wick is disposed through the coil. See FIGS. 15A and 15B.

Body 3020 may further include one or more divider walls 3060. Each ofdivider wall 3060 may be positioned in such a way as to separate eachthermistor 3022 and heating coil 3100 from a respective half of thesplit-pod 3040 a, 3040 b. For example, as illustrated, a first dividerwall 3060 may be positioned between first half of the split-pod 3040 aand both the first thermistor 3022 and first heating coil 3100.Likewise, a second divider wall 3060 may be positioned between secondhalf of the split-pod 3040 b and both the second thermistor 3022 andsecond heating coil 3100. Each divider wall 3060 may include an opening3070 formed therein. Each opening 3070 may be formed as to allow passageof a wicking material between each half of the split-pod 3040 a, 3040 band a respective heating coil 3100. Wicking material may be used todeliver fluid from a respective half of the split-pod 3040 a, 3040 b toa respective heating coil 3100. Exemplary wicking materials may include,but are not limited to, silica, cotton, or other porous materials.

Body 3020 may further include a mixing chamber 3160, one or more vaporvents 3120, and one or more air vents 3140 formed therein. Mixingchamber 3160 may be defined within second region 3030. Mixing chamber3160 may be in fluid communication with opening 1180. For example,mixing chamber 3160 may be formed in second region 3030, such thatmixing chamber 3160 may separate each respective set of electricalcontacts 3080, thermistors 3022 and heating coils 3100. Each vapor vent3120 may be formed within an interior of first portion 2020. Forexample, each vapor vent 3120 may be formed proximate a respectiveheating coil 3100 and thermistors 3022. In operation, vapor formed fromfluid in one half of the split-pod 3040 a may enter mixing chamber 3160via a first vapor vent 3120, and vapor formed from fluid in second halfof the split-pod 3040 b may enter mixing chamber 3160 via a second vaporvent 3120. Within mixing chamber 3160, vapor formed from anon-nicotine-containing fluid may mix with vapor formed from anicotine-containing fluid to form a vapor mixture. The vapor mixture maybe delivered to an end user via opening 1180.

Each air vent 3140 may be formed in body 3020. For example, asillustrated, each air vent 3140 may be formed such that each air vent3140 may provide fluid communication between an interior of body 3020and an exterior of body 3020. One or more air vents 3140 may beconfigured to draw ambient air into vaporizer device 200. For example,one or more air vents 3140 may be configured to draw ambient air intovaporizer device 200 via one or more air passages 216, upon inhalationof an end user.

FIG. 14B is an exploded view of first portion 2020 of vaporizer device200, according to example embodiments. As discussed above, in someembodiments, first portion 2020 may be self-destructing. In other words,first portion 2020 may be configured such that a user cannot tamper withfirst portion 2020 (e.g., re-fill or re-use first portion 2020, takeliquid out of first portion 2020, etc.).

As illustrated, first region 3010 is shown detached from second region3030. Between first region 3010 and second region 3030 are one or moredivider walls 3060, thermistors 3022 and heating coils 3100. Toconfigure first portion 2020 such that first portion 2020 istamper-proof, a sealant 350 may be used to couple first region 3010 tosecond region 303. In some embodiments, sealant (not shown) may beapplied to first region 3010, such that after first region 3010 andsecond region 3030 are attached, sealant prevents disassembly of secondregion 3030 from first region 3010. Sealant may be any sealant able toprevent fluid leakage from first region 3010. Exemplary sealants mayinclude, but are not limited to silicon, epoxy, a combination of thetwo, or any other suitable material.

The device 200 with the thermistors 3022 has an advantage of definitiveaccuracy over existing prior art current-temperature sensing mechanismsin current-closed pods designs. In smaller prior art designs similar tothe size of device 200, thinner shorter wires are required. These shortthinner wires make the current way of using ohms law and readingresistance then applying a temperature coefficient very inconsistent andinaccurate (error of close to 100° C.). In order to achieve veryaccurate temperature readings, such devices would require sub-ohmthicker vaping wire which would not fit in smaller designs. Also note,that sub-ohm vaping is not recommended and comes with it's own set ofrisks as current is less limited by resistance.

As stated above, vaporization device 102, 200 may transmit user data toclient device 106. In another embodiment, user data may be transmittedfrom vaporization device 102, 200 to a controlled dosing platform, whichin one embodiment will be disposed within ORGANIZATION COMPUTING SYSTEM104 as shown in FIG. 1. User data may be held in device 102, 200 untilit connects over the network 105 to the server. Once connected over thenetwork, the device 102, 200 will send updates on user data to serverand ultimately to the controlled dosing platform on ORGANIZATIONCOMPUTING SYSTEM 104. The controlled dosing platform enables thephysician/practitioner to login and select a patient to see how muchnicotine or other substance was used by the patient. Thephysician/practitioner further is able to adjust dosingschedule/nicotine intake of that patient based on the data as viewed onthe controlled dosing platform.

FIGS. 16-17B show screenshots provided when using the controlled dosingplatform. The practitioner/physician updates or adjusts dosing schedulethat will eventually be transmitted to vaporization device 120, 200. Ifthe physician wants to change patients dosing the practitioner updatesit on the portal, which is then downloaded by application 112 of theclient device 106 and ultimately the vaporization device 102, 200downloads and updates the new dosing schedule once connected over thenetwork 105. The practitioner/physician can mark data and date/timechanges and see how a patient's behaviors and intake changes over a newschedule.

In use, a physician or practitioner logs into a portal and viewsdashboard 50. See FIG. 16. The dashboard 50 provides a view of user dataunder the control of the practitioner. This data includes total users52, number of active devices 54, number of hits 56 taken, a snapshot ofactivity in a twenty-four hour period 58, types of smokers 60, useroverview 62, for instance, number of users that completed the program ofthe present invention, number of active users, number of new users. Thedashboard 50 is not limited to the ways data is aggregated and may beshown in numerous other ways. Also provided on the dashboard 50 is auser list 64.

By clicking on any user name in the user list 64, the practitioner mayview user data on a particular user/patient. The practitioner may seehow much nicotine or other substance was used by the selecteduser/patient and adjust dosing schedule/nicotine intake for theuser/patient. The practitioner can view and adjust dosing in a varietyof ways and can adjust the plan if the user is not happy with theircurrent schedule.

FIG. 17A&B show a screenshot of a user profile 70, here showing a usernamed Gregory 66 which was a user selected from the user list 64 in FIG.16. User data from the device 200 is updated to the server and displayedon user profile 70. For example, looking at Gregory's user profile 70page information such as all usage data or stats 80 (ie: average hit,dose average, total hits during program, hits taken today), userfeedback 82 and a hit history 84 are provided. The profile 70 alsoprovides data such as regression formula 72, a control period 76 and anend or quit date 78. Each of the regression formula or regression value72, a control period 76 and an end or quit date 78 can be adjusted bythe practitioner to increase or decrease the nicotine dose on a per usebasis.

It should be noted that regression formula 72 is shown in FIG. 17 as a kvalue, however, a t_(e) value may be used in the alternative. When theregression formula 72 is a k value, exponential regression algorithm,the formula of D_(n)=D0*e^((tn−t0−c)*k) is used. Alternatively, ifregression formula 72 uses a linear regression algorithm, t_(e) value 74the variables that are stored for each user under the t_(e) value maybe:

Start Date (t₀)—this may represent the date when the user started usingthe smoking cessation program.

Control Period (c)—this may represent the length of the initial period,during which no regression takes place, but the user's current smokinghabits are being recorded. In some embodiments, the control period willbe 2 days.

End date (t_(e))—this is the date when the user finishes the program.

Initial daily dose (d₀)—this is the initial nicotine dose that will beapplied at the beginning of the program.

During the control period, d₀ will be applied during each hit.

After the control period, the following values will be calculated:

m—this may represent the constant that determines how steep theregression is. The higher the absolute value of m, the quicker theregression.

It is calculated using the following formula:

t _(e) =d ₀ /m+(t ₀ +c)

Current dose (d_(n))—this is the nicotine dose for the n^(th) day,calculated using the following formula:

d _(n) =d ₀ −m*(t _(n)−(t ₀ +c))

where t_(n) is the n^(th) day of the program.

When the program ends, d_(n) will have a value of 0.

Changing the end date, t_(e) value, affects the slope of the m value.Thus, if the t_(e) value is moved up the slope of the m value will beincreased and the regression will be quicker. However, if the t_(e)value is moved back (made lower) the slope of the m value will decreaseand the regression will be slower. Thus, in one example, if apractitioner step downs a patient 0.2 MG per day over 30 days, insteadof over a 90 day period, the slope would be steeper for the 30 dayselection.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments described herein, otherand further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basicscope thereof. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may beimplemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware andsoftware. One embodiment described herein may be implemented as aprogram product for use with a computer system. The program(s) of theprogram product define functions of the embodiments (including themethods described herein) and can be contained on a variety ofcomputer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storagemedia include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media(e.g., read-only memory (ROM) devices within a computer, such as CD-ROMdisks readably by a CD-ROM drive, flash memory, ROM chips, or any typeof solid-state non-volatile memory) on which information is permanentlystored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within adiskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid staterandom-access memory) on which alterable information is stored. Suchcomputer-readable storage media, when carrying computer-readableinstructions that direct the functions of the disclosed embodiments, areembodiments of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the precedingexamples are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that allpermutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto areapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specificationand a study of the drawings are included within the true spirit andscope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims include all such modifications, permutations,and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of theseteachings.

1. A computer-implemented method for practitioner tracking of patientsubstance intake and controlling of substance dosing for patientsparticipating in a smoking cessation plan, said smoking cessation planbased on one or more inputs provided by a client device in communicationwith a vaporization device, the initial smoking cessation plancomprising one or more phases, wherein each phase is associated with apredefined ratio of a vapor mixture for the vaporization device todeliver to a user, said method comprising: displaying, over a serversystem, at least one patient profile on a controlled dosing platform,said patient profile including one or more streams of usage statistics,said patient profile being under control of said practitioner;receiving, by the server system, updates to said one or more streams ofusage statistics associated with patient usage of the vaporizationdevice; selecting, over the server system, one patient profile from saidcontrolled dosing platform; viewing, over the server system, said one ormore streams of usage statistics for said selected patient profile;modifying, by the server system, the initial smoking cessation planbased on selecting at least one of said one or more streams of usagestatistics; and transmitting, by the server system, the modified initialsmoking cessation plan to the client device.
 2. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein the usage statistics comprise one or moreuses of vaporization device and a duration associated with each use ofthe one or more uses.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein one of said one or more streams of usage statistics is aregression value.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinone of said one or more streams of usage statistics is a control period.5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one of said oneor more streams of usage statistics is a quit date.
 6. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein said regression value isa linear regression.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6,wherein said linear regression is defined usingt _(c) =d ₀ /m+(t ₀ +c) wherein said t_(c) is when the patient finishesthe smoking cessation plan, wherein said d₀ is an initial daily nicotinedose, wherein said m is a constant, wherein t₀ is when the patientstarted using the smoking cessation plan and wherein c is a controlperiod.
 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein saidregression value is an exponential regression.
 9. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein said exponentialregression is defined usingD _(n) =D0*e ^(((tn−t0−c)*k) wherein said D_(n) is a current daily dose,wherein said D₀ is an average daily nicotine dose during the controlperiod, wherein e is the base of the natural logarithm, also calledEuler's constant., wherein said to is the nth day of the program ,wherein said t₀ is when the patient started using the smoking cessationplan and wherein said c is a control period and wherein said k is aconstant.
 10. A nicotine intake tracking and nicotine dosing controllingsystem comprising: a vaporization device configured to deliver a vapormixture comprising a first vapor formed from a non-nicotine-containingliquid and a second vapor formed from a nicotine-containing liquid,wherein the vaporization device comprises a computing system disposedtherein, the computing system comprising: a printed circuit board,comprising: a microcontroller in selective communication with the serversystem, the microcontroller storing dosage instructions for a smokingcessation plan stored thereon; a server system in communication with thevaporization device, the server system configured to generate a smokingcessation plan for the vaporization device based on at least usagestatistics associated with the vaporization device; and an organizationcomputing device, the organization computing device including acontrolled dosing platform, said controlled dosing platform displayingat least one patient profile, said patient profile including one or morestreams of usage statistics.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein saidpatient profile is under control of a practitioner.
 12. The system ofclaim 10 wherein said patient profile provides one or more streams ofusage statistics associated with patient usage of the vaporizationdevice.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein one of said one or morestreams of usage statistics is a regression value.
 14. The system ofclaim 12 wherein one of said one or more streams of usage statistics isa control period.
 15. The system of claim 12 wherein one of said one ormore streams of usage statistics is a quit date.
 16. The system of claim13 wherein said regression value is a linear regression.
 17. The systemof claim 16, wherein said linear regression is defined usingt _(e) =d ₀ /m+(t ₀ +c) wherein said t_(e) is when the patient finishesthe smoking cessation plan, wherein said d₀ is an initial daily nicotinedose, wherein said m is a constant, wherein t₀ is when the patientstarted using the smoking cessation plan and wherein c is a controlperiod.
 18. The system of claim 12 wherein said regression value is anexponential regression.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein saidexponential regression is defined usingD _(n) =D0*e ^(((tn−t0−c)*k) wherein said D_(n) is a current daily dose,wherein said D₀ is an average daily nicotine dose during the controlperiod, wherein e is the base of the natural logarithm, also calledEuler's constant, , wherein said to is the nth day of the program,wherein said t₀ is when the patient started using the smoking cessationplan and wherein said c is a control period and wherein said k is aconstant.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the server system isfurther configured to be able to modify the smoking cessation plan basedon selecting at least one of said one or more streams of usagestatistics and transmit the modified smoking cessation plan to theclient device.